Waking the Mind from Overload
In today's fast-paced world dominated by social media, consumerism, and digital distractions, our minds are constantly bombarded with stimuli, leaving us feeling more disconnected from our true selves than ever before. The relentless onslaught of external influences and virtual communication often normalizes addictive behaviors as part of daily life, sometimes without us fully realizing their extent.
Gabor Maté eloquently captures our modern predicament, pointing out a central emotion underlying many addictive behaviors: "At the core of every addiction is an emptiness based in abject fear. The addict dreads and abhors the present moment; she feverishly bends only toward the next time, the moment when her brain, infused with her drug of choice, will briefly experience itself as liberated from the burden of the past and the fear of the future—the two elements that make the present intolerable."
Fortunately, yoga offers a profound remedy, as articulated by T Krishnamacharya through the concept of Citta Vrtti Nirodha—the cessation of the incessant activities and fluctuations of the mind. Citta Vrtti Nirodha represents a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the mind, redirecting it away from distractions and towards contemplation. In this state, we find refuge from the chaos of the external world, immersing ourselves in the tranquillity of inner stillness.
But how does yoga facilitate this transformation? Through yoga practice, one can gradually cultivate inner stability. It's a process involving consistent practice, self-reflection, and a belief in a higher self or divine presence. Even dedicating as little as fifteen minutes a day to a sequence of asanas, particularly those targeting areas of tension or discomfort in the body, can yield significant benefits. Incorporating specific pranayama techniques and cleansing kriyas, such as the Bhramari (bee humming) pranayama, which provides a brief sense of relief from anxiety, further enhances our ability to make better choices by gaining clarity day by day. Practising mindfulness enhances our reflection and provides us with space. This reorientation is crucial for becoming masters of our destinies instead of being driven by external chaos.
As a practitioner of yoga for many years, I've found that delving deeper into my yoga journey has enabled me to confront addiction and fear with courage and compassion. With each mindful breath, I cultivate heightened awareness, uncovering the root causes of my emptiness and longing. Through steady practice, I'm reaching a point of deepening where I can meet the patterns of the wounded child more consistently and more maturely choose a greater state of self-respond-sibility. Within the sacred space of yoga, I find ever-increasing moments of solace from the ceaseless chatter of the mind, immersing myself in these moments of profound stillness—Citta Vrtti Nirodha.
In conclusion, the current mental health landscape underscores the critical importance of inner awareness, particularly as millions grapple with conditions such as depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to heightened stress, loneliness, and uncertainty globally. However, by individually and collectively working to declutter our minds, we can empower ourselves to navigate our inner landscapes with resilience and uncover paths to healing and well-being. Personal yoga practice offers a transformative journey toward inner mastery and liberation, providing a refuge from the relentless digital distractions and external pressures of modern life. By embracing the principles of Citta Vrtti Nirodha and bravely confronting our inner struggles, we unlock a deep sense of stillness and tranquility within ourselves.
author : kristen